Enhanced mechanical properties, anti-biofilm activity, and cytocompatibility of a methacrylate-based polymer loaded with native multiwalled carbon nanotubes

• Published in: Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials Vol. 136; p. 105511
• Main Authors: Rodrigues, Ricardo Antonio Alpino, Silva, Rosangela Maria Ferreira da Costa e, Ferreira, Luiza de Almeida Queiroz, Branco, Natália Tavares Teixeira, Ávila, Érick de Souza, Peres, Anderson Maia, Fernandes-Braga, Weslley, Sette-Dias, Augusto César, Andrade, Ângela Leão, Palma-Dibb, Regina Guenka, Magalhães, Cláudia Silami de, Ladeira, Luiz Orlando, Silveira, Rodrigo Richard da, Moreira, Allyson Nogueira, Martins Júnior, Paulo Antônio, Yamauti, Mônica, Diniz, Ivana Márcia Alves
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-12-2022
• Subjects: Antibacterial activity; Biomodification; Dental resin composites; Methacrylate-based polymers; Multiwalled carbon nanotubes; Multiwalled carbon nanotubes; Antibacterial activity; Dental resin composites; Methacrylate-based polymers; Biomodification
• ISSN: 1751-6161; 1878-0180
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105511

We aimed to optimize the mechanical and biological properties of a conventional methacrylate-based dental polymer by loading it with double- and triple-walled carbon nanotubes as growth (DTWCNTG).
A formulation of bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (mass ratio = 2:1) was mixed with DTWCNTG at concentrations of 0.0% (control), 0.001%, 0.005%, and 0.010%. The concentrations were physicochemical and morphologically evaluated, and antibacterial activity was assessed by seeding a Streptococcus mutans strain (ATCC 25175) on the experimental polymeric surfaces. Cellular survival and osteodifferentiation were evaluated in epithelial (HaCat) and preosteoblast cells (MC3T3-E1).
The 0.001% DTWCNTG concentration yielded higher compressive strength, elastic modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, water sorption, and solubility than the control. The degree of conversion and color did not significantly change with a low amount of DTWCNTG incorporated into the polymer. Antibacterial activity significantly improved when tested on the 0.001% DTWCNTG discs. No groups showed cytotoxicity in a short-term analysis and adding DTWCNTG favored MC3T3-E1 mineralization over the control, particularly in the 0.001% formulation.
The micro-addition of 0.001% DTWCNTG confers mechanical resistance, antimicrobial properties, and bioactivity to methacrylate-based polymers without significantly compromising color. Incorporating DTWCNTG improved dental composite properties and could be a biomodified material for minimally invasive procedures.
•Micro-addition of native carbon nanotubes enhances mechanical resistance of composites.•Micro-addition of native carbon nanotubes presents antimicrobial properties.•Micro-addition of native carbon nanotubes confers bioactivity to composites.•Micro-addition of carbon nanotubes potentially biomodify dental composite properties.